Thursday, March 1, 2012

After a long struggle and a good fight, David died peacefully on Sunday 22 January, 2012. There is a degree of significance to all moments of our lives. David valued and believed it so, that they manifested in the world around him ’til his very last day. Symbolic birds, calendar dates, the weather, the new moon and the friends who gathered to share in Dave's final dance gives reason to celebrate his life more so.It rained for nearly two weeks. While it gave reason to mourn, rain is symbolic of nourishing new beginnings, helping to water the seeds that he helped sow so that someone could bear their fruits. Even if through learning through our mistakes.This is why we will continue to support creatively inspired projects like BRAIN AID-life as we know it, which is aimed to help and better understand loved ones in need, and our role in supporting them. Finding that they give us meaning and purpose, and that we honour their memory through a continuation of our good deeds and most importantly, our way of living. Of course the proceeds of the event will be going to other charitable causes and or individuals but is still yet to be decided.

This last year David had experienced buckets of hardship, pain and suffering; all due a series of unfortunate events. Of course he didn't dwell on these, so neither did we. I ask myself if that was such a wise idea, as in not sharing the full experience of David's journey. I guess that was for those closest to him to experience and know. Everyone else that knew him, or knew of him, got something just as special.

Some words from the ceremony:

'David possessed a wisdom beyond his years. His truths lay in his actions; his Humility, his Creativity, his Compassion, his Humour, and his Love. An inspired and pure soul, his consciousness and virtue will remain forever in his peace, and in the hearts of those who love him.'

'Take the time to make everyone you meet happy that you were there. The easy way to do this is to just be interested in them; to make them feel good about who they are. When you do this, people will defend you with their very life, because you gave them something that they could not give themselves; appreciation.' Rod C

David Montoya

Background:Feb 2008: In early 2008 Dave was diagnosed with a deep brain tumor- Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma, located in the right lateral ventrical. David had no signs of symptoms or ill health. The discovery of the tumor was brought about by a precautionary scan, taken after a bump to the head caused by fall from his bmx bike.

Mar 2009: Almost immediately he underwent his first surgery. Ever since then, Dave has been striving to become more informed about his condition, improving his health and in seeking treatments that would improve his chances with this disease. He was able to return to work and continue to pursue his passions.

Aug 2009: Saw the onset of symptoms of tumor growth and was not able to continue to work as his vision and balance were being effected due to the disturbance of the tumor from his first surgery.

Oct 2009: Lacking resources and scared into no other option, David was booked in for a second operation to remove what they could of the tumor.

Nov 2009: This second surgery had also postponed plans for tumor treatment. and due to the location and size of the tumor surgeons could not remove all of it and would now rely on other conventional adjunct thereapies.

David was re-diagnosed with Recurrent Low Grade Oligoastrocytoma and the new growth a Recurrent Low Grade Anaplastic Oligoastroytoma. Furthermore he was also now dealing with post surgery neurological damage which caused partial paralysis to the left side of his body (mainly his foot and some motor skills)

Dec 2009: Not convinced with conventional offerings.

Although most of it was removed, the fact that the tumor had mutated meant that there is a risk of it doing the same again, unless the necessary steps are taken to stop it.

Dec 2009: In between surgeries, David research and resourcing lead him to consider some conventional and non conventional treatments including Low-Dose Radiotherapy with Hyperthermia, and DMSO which are currently not available in Australia. At the moment he’s making good progress and with your help we should be able to realize these goals very soon. Camelot Cancer Care and Valley Cancer Institute are clinics we are aiming for.

Dec 2010: With much support, David was able to reach these goals. While on treatment, they proved effective. Slowing, and at some stages stopping growth while on the treatment. Unfortunately these treatment have their threshold. And it wasn't long before the tumor picked where it left off.

Objectives: To raise a substantial amount of money to help Dave reach his goals. Including travel, treatment and ongoing bills and expenses. As well as to share, teach and learn from ours and others experiences.